Valentine’s Day Gifting Ideas

BY GRAEME LUND - FEBRUARY 10, 2015

The most romantic day of the year happens on the 14 February and the hearts of lovers are aflutter. Would-be Romeo’s, whose courage was lacking for a courtly approach, take advantage of opportunity while old, married couples look to Cupid to re-ignite their romance and new relationships are kindled - all thanks to this day of love!

Valentine’s Day has been observed for over 1 500 years and has its origins in ancient Rome. It first became known for romance in the Middle Ages - when the tradition of courtly love flourished, thanks to Geoffrey Chaucer. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending greeting cards known as ‘valentines’. Nowadays, though, love birds are known to go to great lengths to express their affections for one another.

Eva Gabor once said; “Love is a game that two can play and both win” and, at Home Food and Travel magazine, have looked far and wide to find you a playing field, our romantic readers.

While Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with flowers, particularly red roses, chocolates and greeting cards, in recent years, jewellery, spa treatments, luxuries accommodation and memorable photo-shoots have become popular. So, we asked around town to find out what is available for your romantic day.

Havilah Designer Jewellers, which is well-known for their majestic Pandora Jewellery and located in 6th Ave, Walmer, has something new.Carol Jackson, the owner, says; “This month, we’re excited to launch the Pandora Valentine’s collection which, as you can imagine, has a romantic touch.” In celebration of this new range, Havilah have a special offer for the month of February –spend R2500.00 or more on Pandora Jewellery and receive a free sterling silver Pandora heart-lock bracelet from the Valentines Collection valued at R995.00. Tel: 041 581 1942

Most people know Shirley Valentine as an iconic movie from the ‘80s, but it is also a theatre production andCafé Capellini in Newton Park will present a dinner theatre production of ‘Shirley Valentine’ starring Niqui Cloete-Barrass.Graham Martin, owner of Café Capellini, says;“We’ll be serving a three course meal during this highly entertaining romantic comedy that takes the form of a monologue.” The cost? Just R140 per person. To book tickets, you can contact GetSteve on 076 027 5280 or Café Capellini Newton Park on 041 363 2847.

Nel de FrancaofNel’s Momentos Photography is offering a 1 hour outdoor photo shoot. She says; “We specialise in catching those special moments in relationships, be they weddings, christenings or just a happy time between a couple in love.”Taken at one location, this package includes 50 colour and 20 black and white high resolution edited images as well as all the other photos on a CD. It also comes with two printed mugs that have images from the shoot. This package costs R800. Tel: 084 787 3458

Fourteen being the important number of Valentine’s Day,Curtains & Linens in Newton Park are offering a14% discount on their Iris 100% Cotton bedding.Veona Hitchens says; “Let your Valentine’s experience at Curtains & Linens be like a blind date, full of expectation and surprise.” Tel: 041 363 0235

Beauty Connection in Brighton Drive, Summerstrand, areoffering a 90-minute treatment that includes a welcoming drink, body exfoliation, back massage and a express pedicure or manicure all for R390.“We want to make this day as enjoyable as possible for the people who walk through our door,” saysBridgit Hill, owner of Beauty Connection. Tel: 041 583 3368

“If you want to experience something different and unique come to Thunzi for a romantic Valentine’s Day picnic,” saysTrenwyth Pledger, the owner ofThunzi Bush Lodge located in Colleen Glen. She adds that picnic spots are setup in carefully selected places in order to offer absolute privacy. Select what you would like to eat from their picnic menus and they will do the rest. Afternoon and evening picnics are available from R175 per person. Tel: 072 597 4810

Melissa van der Westhuizen ofKelvin Grove Guest House in Addo says, “There are some moments in life where you can see with absolute clarity which things matter the most and Valentine’s Day is often one of them”. As a result Kelvin Grove Guesthouse have decided to go traditional on Valentine’s Day and they will be placing chocolates, champagne and a special surprise in their rooms . Book now and spoil that special person in your life. Tel: 072 2898 798